The first day of school really snuck up on me this year! I usually start getting my kids on a back to school bedtime routine a couple weeks ahead of time. We have been so busy, it was impossible to get a jump start on their sleep routine before school started this time around.

Unfortunately, my kids are still on their summer stay-up-late-and-sleep-in routine. It’s time for them to adjust to our school year’s go-to-bed-early, wake-up-early sleep routine. We are going to make it happen by following these 3 easy back to school tips.

1. Gradually adjust bedtime by 15 minutes earlier each night to get to the ideal bedtime. 

Kids need more sleep than adults do. The Sleep Foundation recommends school-aged children ages 6 to 13 years old get 9-11 hours of sleep per night. Teens ages 14-17 years need 8 to 10 hours per night. Ease kids into an earlier sleep routine by adjusting their bedtime by 15 minutes each night. A gradual adjustment to an earlier bedtime can help kids fall asleep faster.

2. Take away the tech at least an hour before bedtime. 

Kids cannot wind down for bedtime if they are using tablets, computers, smart phones and other electronic gadgets. Blue light from devices prevents kids from winding down to their natural sleep cycle. Devices are also a sleep distraction because kids may be tempted to continue texting or playing games instead of sleeping. Many sleep problems in children can be solved simply by taking away all electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime.

BEDDI Charge Alarm Clock, $29.99, WittiDesign.com

3. Set an alarm clock.

Help kids get used to waking up earlier than usual by setting the alarm clock to go off earlier than necessary. For example, if your child needs to wake up at 7AM, set the alarm clock for 6:30AM. This can help kids adjust to an earlier morning routine wake up time. Combine this with an earlier bedtime so that your child is getting enough sleep every night.

An alarm clock can also help kids take responsibility for themselves. Kids can learn to wake up and get out of bed on time all by themselves. It may take a lot of practice and parental encouragement, but it is a good habit for children to develop.

Just in time for back to school, we received a free BEDDI Charge alarm clock to review. My 13-year-old son likes it a lot because it doubles as a charging station with 3 high speed USB charging ports. His phone and school tablet get to recharge overnight while he sleeps. He does not like for the alarm to go off in the morning, which is exactly the motivation he needs to wake up and get out of bed and turn it off.

One cool thing about the alarm is that the sound gradually fades in (gets louder in volume), which is a more soothing way to wake up versus a sudden, blaring alarm.

The BEDDI Charge is also a dimmable night light. The night light can either be a white light or a multi-color mood light. You can pick whichever way you like best. We really like the simplicity of this alarm clock design. BEDDI Charge doesn’t take up much space on the nightstand, plus it is handy to have another charging station around the house.

BEDDI Charge has 3 USB charging ports for tablets, phones and smart watches

Learn more and purchase a BEDDI Charge

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How do you help your child get into a back to school sleep routine? What is your favorite feature of the BEDDI Charge alarm clock?